Abstract
BackgroundDogs are the most common pet animals worldwide. They may harbour a wide range of parasites with zoonotic potential, thus causing a health risk to humans. In Nigeria, epidemiological knowledge on these parasites is limited.MethodsIn a community-based study, we examined 396 dogs in urban and rural areas of Ilorin (Kwara State, Central Nigeria) for ectoparasites and intestinal helminths. In addition, a questionnaire regarding knowledge and practices was applied to pet owners.ResultsNine ectoparasite species belonging to four taxa and six intestinal helminth species were identified: fleas (Ctenocephalides canis, Pulex irritans, Tunga penetrans), mites (Demodex canis, Otodectes sp., Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis), ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes sp.), and lice (Trichodectes canis); and Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma sp., Trichuris vulpis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenidae and Strongyloides sp. Overall prevalence of ectoparasites was 60.4% and of intestinal helminths 68.4%. The occurrence of C. canis, R. sanguineus, T. canis, Ancylostoma sp. and T. vulpis was most common (prevalence 14.4% to 41.7%). Prevalence patterns in helminths were age-dependent, with T. canis showing a decreasing prevalence with age of host, and a reverse trend in other parasite species. Knowledge regarding zoonoses was very limited and the diseases not considered a major health problem. Treatment with antiparasitic drugs was more frequent in urban areas.ConclusionParasites of importance for human health were highly prevalent in Nigerian dogs. Interventions should include health education provided to dog owners and the establishment of a program focusing on zoonotic diseases.
Highlights
Dogs are the most common pet animals worldwide
The knowledge and perception of dog owners regarding zoonotic diseases transmitted by pets was insufficient
The reduced prevalence of D. caninum over time was claimed to be caused by the reduced prevalence of the intermediate host C. canis. This may hold true for pets brought to veterinary clinics, but our study shows that C. canis is very common in dogs in the community and probably continue being important for the transmission of D. caninum
Summary
Dogs are the most common pet animals worldwide They may harbour a wide range of parasites with zoonotic potential, causing a health risk to humans. Dogs are the most successful canids, adapted to human habitation worldwide They have contributed to physical, social and emotional well-being of their owners, children [1,2]. In spite of the beneficial effects, close bonds of dogs and humans (in combination with inappropriate human practices and behaviour) remain a major threat to public health, with dogs harbouring a bewildering number of infective stages of parasites transmissible to man and other domestic animals [2-. Prevalence of parasite infection in dogs with importance for human health is usually high, resulting in risk of zoonotic transmission from dogs to humans. The risk is further increased by non-favourable ecological and human behavioural factors [11,12,13]
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